Ports of Odesa Region in 2025: transshipment records, shelling and new challenges

2025 was another year of challenges for the ports of Odesa region. Russian shelling, blackouts, changes in Ukrzaliznytsia's tariffs, a temporary ban on fertilizer imports, and the preparation of a concession in the port of Chornomorsk determined the industry's work throughout the year.

This was reported by Ukrainian Shipping Magazine.

According to USM, cargo transshipment in the ports of Greater Odesa exceeded 62 million tons (without containers). Pivdennyi port remained the leader in cargo turnover, followed by Chornomorsk and Odesa. An important factor was the work of the Ukrainian sea corridor, which, after Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, transported more than 160 million tons of cargo on board more than 6,000 vessels, of which more than 96 million tons were products of Ukrainian farmers.

Transportation records

Container transportation also continued to grow. At the beginning of the year, CMA CGM made its first voyage to Odesa, and Turkey's Medkon Lines resumed regular shipping. Despite the temporary suspension of some lines due to shelling, Ukrainian ports managed to set a record for container turnover: in 8 months, seaports handled 134,191 TEU, 3.3% more than in the whole of 2024. By November, ZIM returned to the market, providing the only direct container service between Ukraine and Israel.

Security and procedural risks remained the main challenge for container transportation operators. Shelling, cargo destruction, delays in customs clearance, and difficulties with insurance all affected logistics and business plans. In response, the government has adopted changes to port clearance procedures that should mitigate some of the risks.

Trials and tribulations

The tariff battles with Ukrzaliznytsia have become another challenge. Starting in April, the distance for trains to the port of Odesa was artificially increased, which increased production costs and threatened the competitiveness of Ukrainian exports. Businesses and the European Business Association appealed to the government to reconsider the decision. Only in October, UZ announced a 40% tariff indexation that will take effect from 2025-2026.

Another challenge for the ports was the ban on the transportation of ammonia-containing fertilizers in July, which increased logistics costs by USD 70 per ton and caused losses of more than USD 2 million for the ports. The ban was partially lifted at the end of August, allowing the import of safe complex fertilizers with SDS certification.

Concession and resources

Preparations for the Chornomorsk port concession began at the beginning of the year. The project envisages hundreds of millions of dollars in investments, the creation of more than a thousand jobs, and the resumption of container traffic up to 250,000 TEU per year in three years. At the same time, the business criticized the lack of transparency and overestimated volume forecasts.

December was the culmination of the challenges: massive Russian shelling of ports, blackouts and strikes on bridges slowed down port operations during the peak time of agricultural exports. Throughput decreased, which increased transshipment and freight costs. At the same time, the market adapted: large companies began planning alternative routes, and lawyers advised on force majeure clauses in contracts.

Despite all the challenges, the ports of Greater Odesa continue to operate, ensuring the economic stability of the region and the entire country. Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Russian attacks have damaged more than 500 port infrastructure facilities and 116 civilian vessels, and 157 people have been injured. However, even in such circumstances, Ukrainian ports remain a strategic resource for the economy and logistics.

In 2025, the ports of Odesa region handled 147 million tons of cargo shipped to 50 countries. The reconstruction of berths and preparation of terminal concessions to increase transshipment volumes are underway.

Анна Бальчінос